R. Kelly’s Daughter Calls Him a Monster

R. Kelly’s estranged daughter Buku Abi (born name Joann Kelly) is speaking out about her father who has been under increased spotlight since the airing of the Lifetime docuseries Surviving R. Kelly.

On Thursday (Jan. 10), Abi shared a lengthy missive to address the victims and fans who were shocked by the multitude of allegations raised in the six-part docuseries. She say she took “three days just to find the right words” to deliver her message.

In the letter, Abi writes that she does not have a relationship with her father and that it’s been years since she and her other siblings have been in contact with him.

“My mother ( R. Kelly's ex-wife Andrea Kelly), siblings, and I would never condone, support or be apart of ANYTHING negative he has done and continues to do in his life,” she writes.

“The same monster you all confronting me about is my father. I am well aware of who and what he is,” she continues. “I grew up in that house. My choice to not speak on him and what he does is for my peace of mind. My emotional state. And for MY healing. I have to do and move in a manner that is best for me.”

Abi concludes that the drama surrounding R. Kelly has been very difficult for her family, but they are very appreciative of the love and support from the fans.

“You all fuel us. Family, friends, followers, fans, etc.,” she writes. “I love you guys to pieces. Your love is appreciated and will always be reciprocated.”

You can read Buku Abi's full transcript below.

"Buku here. I just want to say a few things...before I start I just want it to be known that I am speaking from the heart, nothing I say or do not say is to hurt any party reading or affected by this. To the people that feel I should be speaking up/against everything that is going on right now. I just want you all to understand that devastated is an understatement for all that I feel currently. I do apologize if my silence to all that is happening comes off as careless."

"I pray for all the families & [women] who have been affected by my father's actions. Trust, I have been deeply affected by all of this. However, it has been very difficult to process it all. Let alone gather all the right words to express everything I feel."

"Anyone that knows me personally or has been following me through out the years knows that I do not have a relationship with my father. Nor do I speak on him or on his behalf. I also am not fond of dealing with my personal issues or personal life experience through social media but, I feel things are starting to get out of hand."

"Unfortunately, for my own personal reasonings & for all my family has endured in regards to him, his life decisions, and his last name, it has been years since my siblings and I have seen and or have [contact with him]."

"Going through all I have gone through in my life, I would never want anyone to feel the pain I have felt. Reminders of how terrible my father is, and how we should be speaking up against him, rude comments about my family, fabricating me, my siblings, & our mother's "part," etc., does not help my family (me, my sister, my brother and my mother) in our healing process. Nor does it allow a safe space for other victims who are scared to speak up, speak up."

The same monster you all confronting me about is my father. I am well aware of who and what he is. I grew up in that house. My choice to not speak on him and what he does is for my peace of mind. My emotional state. And for MY healing, I have to do & move in a manner that is best for me. I pray anyone who reads this understands I put nothing but good intent behind each word. It took me nearly [three] days to write this. I just want everyone to know that I do care and I love you all. This is a very difficult subject to speak on again, I apologize if my words don't come out right."

"To everyone who reached out to my family and I, sending good energy and love...thank you. You guys really helped push us through this hard time. This past year for my family has been very difficult, all the love and support you all continue to show is why we keep going. You all fuel us. Family, friends, followers, fans, etc., I love you guys to pieces. Your love is appreciated & will always be reciprocated. For anyone new to my page, I just ask when you come here you bring peace & nothing else."